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Craving those golden crispy Taco Bell nacho fries but want to enjoy them right at home You can skip the drive thru and have a basket ready in minutes The seasoning is spot on and the cheese sauce makes it unforgettable You will love making a big batch for movie nights or when the snack craving hits
I first tried these at a party where everyone kept dipping back in for more After seeing how fast they disappeared my family asks for them whenever we want a fun treat at home
Ingredients
- Ore Ida Extra Crispy Frozen Fast Food Fries: gives you that restaurant texture choose a bag with minimal ice crystals for best frying results
- Vegetable Oil for Frying: choose a neutral oil with high smoke point like canola or peanut oil
- Salt: balances all the flavors use kosher or sea salt for best flavor distribution
- Paprika: gives smoky warmth use Spanish sweet paprika for extra depth
- Garlic Powder: brings out an earthy sweet heat make sure yours is fresh not clumpy
- Chili Powder: adds color and classic nacho vibes check your chili powder blend for freshness
- Onion Powder: boosts the umami hit go for fine texture so it coats the fries evenly
- Cayenne Pepper: for extra heat this is optional but a pinch makes a big difference
- American Cheese: classic choice for a super smooth sauce check for a creamy brand
- Milk: thins out the cheese just enough whole milk works best for richness
- Liquid from the Jar of Jalapeño Slices: brings flavorful tang and just a touch of spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Seasoning:
- Combine salt paprika garlic powder chili powder onion powder and cayenne in a small bowl Use the back of a spoon to break up any lumps for even blending
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour oil into a deep saucepan until at least three inches deep Clip a thermometer to the edge and heat over medium until it reaches three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Watch carefully as oil heats quickly
- Fry the Fries:
- Slip in frozen fries gently in batches Cook for six to eight minutes stirring once or twice until they turn golden brown and crispy Remove fries with a slotted spoon and transfer onto a plate lined with paper towels Let them cool slightly so the seasoning sticks better
- Melt the Cheese Sauce:
- While fries rest add American cheese slices torn into small pieces milk and jalapeño liquid into a microwave safe bowl Microwave in thirty second bursts stirring each time until sauce is creamy and smooth
- Coat the Fries:
- Place fries in a big mixing bowl Sprinkle seasoning over the fries Toss them gently until every fry is evenly coated and glistening
- Serve:
- Pile fries onto a platter Serve cheese sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle right over the top and enjoy while hot
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One of my favorite tricks is using the jalapeño liquid for the cheese sauce It gives that hint of tang you never knew you needed My cousin and I once tried swapping it for plain water and the sauce just lost its magic We still laugh about it every time we make these together
How to Store Leftovers
Nacho fries are best fresh but you can save extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days To reheat spread them on a baking sheet and bake at four hundred degrees for five minutes They will crisp up again without getting soggy The cheese sauce can also be refrigerated just give it a good stir and heat gently in the microwave before serving
Ingredient Swaps
If you only have regular frozen fries you can still make this recipe They may not turn out as crispy but will still taste great Swap American cheese for cheddar if you want a sharper flavor You can even use pepper jack for extra spice If you do not have jalapeño liquid a splash of pickle juice also works in a pinch
Serving Ideas
These fries are the life of any snack platter Serve them with salsa guacamole or sour cream for a loaded nacho plate They also make an epic topping for burgers or as a side to grilled chicken Add chopped scallions or pickled jalapeños for even more zing
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The Nacho Fries Craze
Taco Bell first launched nacho fries in the US in twenty eighteen and they quickly became a cult favorite The seasoning captures that classic Tex Mex taste and the creamy cheese dip brings everyone back for seconds Now it is easy to bring that flavor home with a few simple pantry tricks
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes nacho fries so flavorful?
Their spice mix—featuring paprika, garlic, onion, chili powders, and a hint of cayenne—adds bold flavor to crispy fries.
- → How do I get the fries extra crispy?
Fry frozen fries in hot oil at 350°F until golden brown, then let them drain on paper towels before seasoning.
- → What kind of cheese is best for the sauce?
American cheese melts smoothly for a creamy texture, enhanced by milk and a little jalapeño brine for zest.
- → Can the spice level be adjusted?
Absolutely—reduce or omit cayenne for milder fries, or add more for extra heat based on preference.
- → Is it possible to bake instead of fry?
Yes, bake fries according to package instructions and toss in seasoning for a lighter twist while keeping flavor.